Sandy is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with growing expertise in the sport. Combining hands-on experience in interviews and paddock access with her studies in sports communication, she provides reliable coverage and fresh insights into the pinnacle of motorsport.
Laurent Mekies completed his first Grand Prix as team principal of Red Bull Racing last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. Jack Plooij is impressed with the Frenchman and sees the team making a good decision appointing him.
After Christian Horner's dismissal in his role as CEO and team pincipalr at Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies was immediately appointed as his replacement. The Frenchman prevously had the role at Racing Bulls, and has a lot of experience in the competition as an engineer.
Plooij is a fan of Mekies at Red Bull Racing
At the Ziggo Sport Race Café, the performance of the newly-appointed team principal was discussed. "He knows all the people at Red Bull. He speaks fluent Italian, Spanish, English, everything. French of course, because that's where he is from. But he is welcomed with open arms. He already knows all these people well", Jack Plooij began.
The Dutchman thinks that the Frenchman was a very good choice for the Austrian racing team. "And what is very important, for the future of Red Bull this was also a good choice, I think. Because Red Bull naturally has to look for important people in important positions. Nowadays with that Gardening Leave, which lasts a year, maybe even a year and a half, it's not easy to find people."
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Laurent Mekies at Spa-Francorchamps - Red Bull Contentpool
Mekies has made a lot of connections within the paddock through his years in Formula 1. "He has a very good friend in Fred Vasseur. And he is very good friends with other team managers. That could potentially open up a lot of opportunities", Plooij explained.
"He is truly a skillful political man. And what you also shouted during the race, Olav, an engineer! He knows his stuff."
"I give him two thumbs up for his first weekend", Olav Mol agreed with Plooij.
During Mekies' opening weekend, Max Verstappen won the Sprint in Belgium. The Dutchman jussed missed out on the podium a day later during the Grand Prix, when the team opted for a wet weather setup. However, by the time the race began after the race control's delay, the track was almost dry.
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